2023 – Is Mamman Daura revealing unto us Buhari’s state of mind?

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July 29, 2020

images (1) — A file photo of Mamman Daura and President Muhammadu Buhari

He’s popularly described as the head of the kitchen cabinet of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

He’s not just Buhari’s nephew. He recently spoke glowingly with passion how he grew up with the President, saying: “My father was their mother’s firstborn. Buhari is the last born.”

That’s the kind of wonderful relationship Mamman Daura enjoys with the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

To a very large extent, Daura is seen as the last man standing of an open-secret powerful political clique in the contemporary Nigeria, after the demise of two of Buhari’s closest friends, Samaila Isa Funtua, and late presidential Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

So, whatever was spewed out by Daura could not be treated with kid’s gloves.

Speaking on the vexatious issue of zoning and rotational presidency in Nigeria on Wednesday, Daura advocated that competence, not mere geographical representation should determine the next presidency of the world’s largest Black nation come 2023 general elections.

According to him, “This turn-by-turn, it was done once, it was done twice, and it was done thrice…It is better for this country to be one…It should be for the most competent and not for someone who comes from somewhere.”

Buhari’s ally, who stated this during an interview on BBC Hausa Service, did not just discountenance the usual political trajectory for power shift in Nigeria, he went ahead to sermonise over, perhaps, newfound philosophy in the present administration towards uniting behind the most competent candidate to take over the mantle of leadership in 2023.

Daura’s philosophical positions were predicated on the fact that the unwritten rotational presidency since 1999 political sojourn in Nigeria has produced little or no significant development across the nation.

He contested that it’s time to go for the most qualified candidate in 2023 irrespective of whether the person comes from the North or the South.

Good thinking!

Is Daura speaking and stylishly revealing Buhari’s current state of mind?

Though Daura explained that he has no right to possibly dictate public policy to Buhari, he said: “Yes, I do visit him to greet him. I do give him advice, but if he asked…I advise him. But I don’t go there on my own and insist I must do this or that. No. You don’t do that to a government.”

Indeed, it can be taken for granted that Daura may not be in position to dictate and teleguide Buhari as it’s being widely insinuated. But what cannot be denied is the fact that Daura has the ears of the President cum unfettered access to the presidency. Whatever he says over a national matter like controversial zoning formula and rotational presidency cannot be dismissed just like that.

If and indeed, in fact, the only next level agenda Buhari can promote in Nigeria is competence over tempestuous rotational presidency, I think Nigeria may just be on the road to a greater height.

Enough of this ethnic-prone rotational presidency which celebrates and massages jingoistic ego at the expense of competence and quality leadership.

By Idowu Sowunmi

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FG to receive $200m from Netherlands, Switzerland, recovers N800b loot

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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FB_IMG_1595864740078 — President Muhammadu Buhari at the virtual meeting of ECOWAS leaders. July 27, 2020. Photo: Femi Adesina

Nigerian Government says it is awaiting the return of $200million from the Netherlands and Switzerland, as part of proceeds from the Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 Malabu oil deal.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, when he gave a presentation at a one-day capacity building workshop organised for judiciary correspondents in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The Minister, at the event, presented a scorecard of the Ministry of Justice in the last one year during which he outlined the efforts of the present administration in tackling corruption.

“On the fight against corruption and associated recovery of looted and illicit assets, I am happy to inform you that within the period in contention, Nigeria succeeded in recovering $311 billion from U.S. and New Jersey and the money has been repatriated to Nigeria,” Malami said.

He stated that due to the anti-corruption crusade, the Federal Government facilitated the recovery of $62 billion arrears from oil companies as part of its Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

According to him, the money has been paid into the Federal Government treasury for utility development such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Kano-Abuja Expressway, and the Second Niger Bridge, in line with the agreement reached with the foreign partners.

Malami also disclosed that over N685 million was recovered through the help of whistle-blowers within the last one year while N500 million was recovered from forfeited vessels, trucks, and barges.

Elsewhere, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the government has recovered looted funds in excess of N800 billion with over 1,400 convictions secured.

Mohammed, who also addressed reporters in the nation’s capital, stated that the present administration’s fight against corruption was as strong as ever.

While stressing that there were records to back up his claim, he said Nigerians have recently been inundated with allegations of monumental corruption in a number of government agencies.

He listed some of the agencies to include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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NiDCOM to NDDC: Pay allowances, tuition of stranded students abroad now

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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Abike-Dabiri-NIDCOM Chairperson — File Photo: Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has again “appealed to the authorities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to as a matter of urgency intervene by promptly paying the allowances, tuition and other incentives of students on their scholarship scheme, to guarantee their stay and continue their education in the United Kingdom.”

Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement in Abuja by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, made reference to a letter written to the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio, on June 18: NIDC/001/20/1, drawing attention to the plight of the students, and urging NDDC which is directly responsible for the students’ scholarships to resolve all the lingering issues.

She added that her commission counts on the minister’s assurances that all outstanding payments of the affected students would be made accordingly.

“At the moment there have been persistent calls by the students for urgent intervention.

“While deadline for payment of the fees of some of the students have expired or about to expire, non-payment of their allowances have turned many of them to virtually become beggars.

“NiDCOM chairman once again appeal to Niger Delta Ministry and NDDC to intervene urgently and promptly too,” said the statement.

Idowu Sowunmi

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FG declares July 30, 31 public holidays, Lagos advocates low-key Eid-el-kabir

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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ET9m6s2WoAIJX3X-1024x682 — Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has declared July 30 and 31 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

This was coming as the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government appealed to Muslim faithful in the state to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir on a low-key in order to abide by the existing guidelines on the prevention of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread among residents.

The Federal Government, in a statement on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, congratulated Muslim faithful and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the occasion.

Quoting the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, the statement “called on the Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country especially as the world is witnessing global health challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic.”

While reaffirming Buhari administration’s commitment to battling the scourge of COVID-19 pandemic, Aregbesola urged for the cooperation of all Nigerians.

The minister assured that the Federal Government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in the march towards actualising the nation’s full potentials.

Aregbesola called on the masses to support the government “in its avowed determination to build a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous country, where the rights of every citizen, are protected and guaranteed, as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He counselled Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the COVID-19, urging the citizens to stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other safety measures issued by relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu through his Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Elegushi, has admonished Muslims to maintain moderation even as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, warning that the Coronavirus scourge is still very much in an aggressive stage, hence the need to be more cautious in order to consolidate the gains so far achieved by the state government.

Elegushi appealed to Lagosians that the celebration should be done within families as earlier observed during the Eid-el-Fitri celebration three months ago, while the Eid-el-Kabir prayers should be observed at home as mosques and churches are still on lockdown in the state.

While reiterating the Sanwo-Olu administration’s determination to flattening the curve of the ravaging pandemic, the commissioner noted that the religious rites of slaughtering of animals would be carried out through a live broadcast by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla, on, July 31 by 9am on LTV while all other Imams in the state are to follow suit thereafter.

Elegushi reassured all residents of the state that the siege would soon be over as government is leaving no stone unturned in containing the spread of the COVID-19, while anticipating the eventual reopening of businesses in the shortest time possible based on the advice by medical experts.

The commissioner, however, enjoined the general public to continue adherence to the culture of maintaining physical distance, wearing of face masks, constant handwashing with soap and water as well as the regular use of hand sanitiser to further prevent the spread of the virus.

He wished all Muslim faithful a blissful celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and enjoined them to remember Lagos State and Nigeria in their individual prayers to Allah.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Ecobank Academy becomes first corporate member of Global Business School Network

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 28, 2020

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A Togo-based Ecobank Academy has made history to become the first corporate member of the Global Business School Network (GBSN).

GBSN has been building management education capacity in and for the developing world for over 17 years.

The core of the network spans six continents with more than 100 leading business schools from 50 countries, whose leaders, faculty, and students engage in programmes to improve access to quality, locally relevant management and entrepreneurship education.

Since its beginning in 1985, Ecobank Group has been committed to economic and social development across sub-Saharan Africa.

Operating in all regions in sub-Saharan Africa, Ecobank Academy is one of the largest corporate universities in Africa. Each year, Ecobank Academy trains more than 14,000 in 39 countries – 35 in Africa and 4 outside of Africa.

Both organisations have a shared vision for Africa, to have the talent it needs to generate prosperity.

GBSN Chief Executive Officer, Dan LeClair, explained that “the aim is to work together over the long term to build a stronger connection between business and business schools—to develop the talent for Africa to achieve what it wants. The space between education and practice holds the greatest potential for innovative solutions.”

On the partnership, Group Head of Ecobank Academy, Talent and Organisational Development, Simon Rey, said: “It is a privilege to be the first corporate university to join GBSN.

“We believe practical and just-in-time education are crucial to help solve some of the most pressing challenges and, at the same time, unlock tremendous opportunities to advance the social-economic agenda.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with other members and together bring world-class capabilities to create and implement solution-driven programs impacting African SMEs, MSMEs, Public Sector, Development organizations, Youth, and other professionals.”

To mark the start of their formal relationship, GBSN and Ecobank Academy hosted a virtual forum to explore Africa’s changing talent needs. The series commenced with a conversation between Rey and LeClair on July 16.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Buhari celebrates as Independent probe panel exonerates AfDB President Adesina

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 28, 2020

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FB_IMG_1595972331743_1595972388149 — File Photo: President Muhammadu Buhari received AfDB President, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina at the State House Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday warmly rejoiced with President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwunmi Adesina, on the clean slate of health of all allegations against him by an anonymous group.

Buhari described the clearance as further validation of Adesina’s competence and integrity to lead the continental financial institution.

Nigerian President congratulated AfDB “Board of Directors, the Ethics Committee and members of staff for their courage, maturity and patience in following through the process of investigations, and acceptance of Report of Panel of High-Level Independent Experts, which reviewed the Report of Ethics Committee of AfDB, and Dr Adesina’s response.”

He commended the eminent personalities, consisting of Mary Robinson, Justice Hassan B. Jallow and Leonard F. McCarthy, who handled the review of the report of the Ethics Committee, and “their professionalism in rejecting support services, and providing a unanimous report.”

Buhari believed “the conclusion of the review should finally draw a curtain on the allegations that created distractions for the entire institution for a period, and serve as impetus for more diligence in handling responsibilities, while fuelling the zeal to deliver on the promises of a greater Africa.”

The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, urged AfDB President “to remain steadfast, dedicated and resolute in pursuing his noble goals for the institution, especially with the now expected second term in office, assuring him of the prayers and support of Nigerians.”

By Idowu Sowunmi

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Fashola Inspects Ongoing Repair Works on Third Mainland Bridge

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B.O.B Echoload

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July 28, 2020

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Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Tuesday said the on-going repair works on Third Mainland Bridge and other Federal Government projects in Lagos State were borne out of a long years of neglect by successive governments in Nigeria.

Speaking while inspecting repair works on Third Mainland Bridge on Day Four of the partial closure of the bridge, the minister said he’s at the site to ascertain the status of the work done and the impact of the partial closure on traffic movement.

Accompanied by Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye; her counterpart in Transportation, Toyin Fayinka; South-west Federal Controller of Works, Adedamola Kuti; and other top government officials, Fashola noted that his visit was to lend support to his team of engineers and other crew, who had been on ground for about two weeks in preparation for the repair works.

He added that his men had concluded their scientific laboratory works in Abuja before coming to Lagos for practical fieldwork to fix the worn out expansion joints and other maintenance works required to keep the 11.8 kilometre bridge in good shape.

“As you would have noticed, Eko Bridge is also undergoing repairs, likewise, Apapa, Oworonshoki, Apongbon.

“We just completed Liverpool Bridge, Gbagada-Oworonshoki is on-going and many other bridges. This is as a result of many years of not working or maintaining them by successive governments.

“This government is, therefore, faced with the reality of repairing and maintaining all these bridges and other federal projects across the country for the safety and benefit of our people.

“I want to thank you sincerely for your level of cooperation so far, while I assure you that we will continue to collaborate to ensure there is less pressure on commuters as a result of this work,” Fashola said.

The minister outlined other bridges with renovation work either completed or on-going as: Marine Bridge (Apapa); Kara Bridge (Lagos-Ibadan Expressway); Falomo Bridge (Lagos Island); Ojuelegba; Eko Bridge; Apongbon; and Obalende among others.

While expressing happiness that the impact of the partial closure was not much on vehicular movement when he and his team inspected vehicular movement from Oworonshoki in-bound Lagos to Adekunle and Adeniji Adele end of Third Mainland Bridge, Fashola, a former Lagos State governor, ordered operatives of the Federal Safety Corps (FRSC), and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to immediately move away from the main bridge where construction work was currently ongoing to the alternative route areas where there’s likely to be congestion, especially during the peak hours.

Fashola commended the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government for effectively managing the situation through the rehabilitation of various alternative routes and provision of adequate traffic management officials.

He urged Lagosians to be calm as the Federal Government would work hard and collaborate with the Sanwo-Olu administration to ensure that the repair work does not extend beyond its stipulated period.

Earlier, Oladeinde, while briefing the minister on the traffic management strategy adopted to ensure free vehicular movement, disclosed that about 650 LASTMA personnel have been deployed by his ministry to support about 250 FRSC men on ground to direct traffic and ensure less congestion while the construction works last.

Oladeinde added that since just about 25 per cent of Third Mainland Bridge users are going to be affected, the state government, through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, has done palliative work to ensure alternative routes are accessible to ease congestion while the government has increased the BRT fleet plying Lagos Island corridor.

The commissioner also advised Lagosians to make use of the waterways by plying the various jetties in the metropolis to reduce travel time, noting that the state government in consideration of the likely increase in the use of water routes has provided improved safety guidelines and measures for ferry operators.

While allaying the fears of residents over the partial closure of the bridge, the commissioner urged road users to cooperate with LASTMA and FRSC on the laid down traffic directives to minimise inconvenience in movement and ensure free flow of traffic.

Also speaking, Adeyoye reaffirmed that palliative works on several alternative routes provided for motorists have been completed, assuring that her ministry would keep on monitoring the work progress to identify other areas where rehabilitation works are necessary.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Osinbajo Chopper Crash: AIB indicts Caverton Helicopter for crash in Kogi

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 28, 2020

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Osinbajo-and-the-crashed-helicopter — A collage of Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the crashed helicopter in kabba, Kogi Sate. The incident occurred in 2019.

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Tuesday released its final report on the cause of a near fatal crash of a helicopter conveying Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in Kabba, Kogi State, over a year ago.

According to the report released by AIB Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Engineer Akin Olateru, the Bureau blamed the crew members for what it described as a misjudgment of distance, inappropriate landing techniques and non-adherence to the landing process.

Olateru in the report, did not spare the helicopter operator as Caverton Helicopters was indicted for its failure to conduct a risk assessment of the landing preparedness.

According to a statement issued after the incident in 2019, Caverton Helicopters had blamed “unusual weather conditions” for the crash landing of an Agusta Westland 139 chopper with registration number 5N-CML carrying Osinbajo alongside 11 others including the crew members.

The Vice President was scheduled to flag off the distribution of traders’ money to market women in Kogi State.

File Photo: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo went ahead with his activities in Kabba, Kogi State despite the crash of his chattered chopper, 2019.

The commissioner said the helicopter crew had initially sighted the football field before losing visual contact with the ground and the external surrounding.

The report stated that at 1:43 p.m, the helicopter experienced a hard landing on the right main landing gear and rolled over and the occupants were evacuated without injuries.

However, the Commissioner said 11 days after the crash, the bureau issued two interim safety recommendations to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Caverton.

The other three reports were two incidents involving Ilorin Aviation College at the Ilorin International Airport and Aero Contractor Port Harcourt- Lagos flight which experienced smoke on board.

Tobiloba Kolawole

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Southern Africa growth may contract by -6.6% in 2020, says AfDB

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 28, 2020

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In the worst-case scenario, growth in Southern Africa would fall to -6.6 per cent in 2020 before recovering to 2.2 per cent in 2021.

Growth is projected at –4.9 per cent in the baseline case, mainly driven by the deep recession in South Africa, induced by a fall in commodity prices, containment measures, weather-related events, and the structural issues related to public utilities. The region’s growth is projected to be the most affected by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Before COVID-19, Southern Africa’s economy was projected to recover from an estimated 0.7 per cent growth in 2019 to 2.1 per cent in 2020.

As has been the case historically, South Africa, the region’s largest economy, is projected to contribute an average of 60 per cent of regional economic output in 2020.

These are some of the highlights contained in the new Southern Africa Regional Economic Outlook released on Monday by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Released annually since 2003, the African Economic Outlook provides compelling up-to-date evidence and analytics to inform and support African decision makers.

Since 2018, the publication of the African Economic Outlook has been coordinated with the release of five Regional Economic Outlook Reports for Central, East, North, Southern and West Africa.

“This year’s third edition of the Southern Africa Regional Outlook report offers robust options for policy makers at national and sub-regional levels to confront the challenges of sustainable economic development through skills development for the future of the workforce in the post-COVID-19 era,” said the African Development Bank’s Acting Director General for Southern Africa, Josephine Ngure.

The report recommended inclusive, broad-based and pro-poor policies to address inequality and reduce poverty rates, adding that a higher level of preparedness is urgently needed to prevent and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Africa, including additional resources for testing and to reduce the impact on households and the economy.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, economic growth forecasts declined by seven percentage points from the original projection under the baseline scenario, and 8.7 percentage points under the worst-case scenario.

Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia are seen as more vulnerable to South Africa’s impending contraction in economic growth, while Mozambique’s sales of gas and electricity could be adversely affected.

In addition, countries that rely on tourism, such as Mauritius, would be adversely affected.

Eureka House is reputed to be one of the largest houses on the island, with 109 doors and windows. The Eureka house was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1986. The museum has areas dedicated to music, art, antique maps, Chinese and Indian house wares and quirky contraptions like a colonial-era shower.

However, the immediate outlook depends on the spread of new cases. South Africa is now the fifth-worst affected country in the world, with close to 400,000 confirmed cases.

The service sector, which accounts for over 50 per cent of the GDP of most of the regional economies, is projected to be negatively impacted by the pandemic, worsened by travel bans, as well as disruption to transport, distribution, hotels and restaurants, entertainment, retail and trade.

Economic diversification, characterized by commodity-driven industrialisation, would help boost the region’s resilience during downturns, the report noted.

The outlook identified poverty and inequality as twin challenges affecting the Southern Africa region and called for policies aimed at making growth inclusive, broad-based and pro-poor if growth is to substantially address both issues.

Compared with other regions in Africa, the region has the highest unemployment levels, averaging 12.5 per cent between 2011 and 2019, followed by North Africa averaging11.8 per cent over the same period.

Unemployment is likely to escalate, especially in hardest-hit sectors such as tourism and hospitality, entertainment, retail and trade and agriculture, where most of the people in the region are employed.

Improving business environment competitiveness in the region is therefore critical.

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is projected to provide medium- and long-term opportunities for markets to spur economic growth. The intra-African market is expected to mitigate some of the negative effects of COVID-19.

The publication identified the provision of, and access to, quality education and skills as the basis of prosperity, dignity and well-being for individuals, and forms the backbone of successful economies.

To achieve economic diversification and structural change towards high-productivity sectors, a better skilled and more adaptable labour force is necessary, the report recommended.

Click here (https://bit.ly/2P6nu6p) to access the full report.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Just In: President Buhari interacts with APC Governors, commends party caretakers

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 28, 2020

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Buhari with APC Governors 4 — File Photo: President Buhari in Virtual Meeting with APC Governors in State House on 28th July 2020. Photo: Femi Adesina.

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended members of the Mai Mala Buni-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee for the work they are doing in repositioning the governing party.

Recall that following the suspension of the National Chairman and the National Working Committee of the APC in June, the National Executive Committee of the party chose the Yobe State governor and others as the Chairman and members of the Caretaker Committee as well as of the extraordinary National Convention Committee respectively.

At Tuesday’s Virtual interaction with the governors of the APC-controlled States with the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in attendance, the President said that he is pleased with the work that the Caretaker Committee has been doing.

According to him, “I am pleased with the Chairman and the work of the committee. He is highly mobile in the efforts to coordinate and strengthen the party. I am happy with his personal efforts.”

President Buhari also appreciated the efforts of the APC Governors following the successful conduct of the party primaries in Edo and Ondo States, adding that, “I am happy that they knew their responsibilities as Governors and had identified the right priorities.”

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Senator Atiku Bagudu, thanked President Buhari for taking the right steps to resolve the crisis in the party.

The APC Governors also commended the President for his handling of security issues and the economy, noting in particular, the success recorded in pulling the country out of the 2016 economic recession as well as the ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are proud of your leadership and achievements,” the Governors told President Buhari.

Photo:

By Tobiloba Kolawole

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